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Buellton, CA -- CHP investigators are still trying to determine what caused a fatal accident between a big rig and a BMW on northbound Highway 101 south of Buellton in the three bridges area yesterday at 2:40. The rig slammed into the back of the Beamer. The impact forced the car to land on the center divider concrete guardrail on the Nojoqui Creek Bridge, and caused the truck to plow through the guardrail and fall into Nojoqui Creek bursting into flames. Firefighters arrived on scene and found the truck fully involved in fire, with the BMW containing three occupants teetering on the bridge above the truck. The California Highway Patrol has identified the three people who survived the crash as 36-year-old Kelli Groves, 10-year-old Sage Groves, and ten-week-old Milo Groves.
Firefighters extinguished the fire and treated the patients, all of whom were taken to Cottage Hospital with moderate injuries. The driver of the big rig died at the scene. The three occupants of the vehicle required extensive extrication by firefighters. The truck spilled approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel in the creek bottom. Heavy equipment was able to construct a dike to prevent the spill from spreading.
Highway 101 was closed in both directions due to the accident. Traffic was rerouted over Highway 154. The left lane on the Nojoqui Creek Bridge is closed until repairs can be made.
